IBHOF: Swinging golf clubs instead of punches

CANASTOTA >> As James "Bonecrusher" Smith's nickname would accurately indicate, he is a guy with a powerful build. But at Casolwood Golf Course on Saturday during the 24th annual "Golf Tournament of Champions," Smith was crushing the golf ball down the course instead of heads in the ring.

"I like to get out once in awhile," said Smith. "I live in South Carolina, the golf capitol of the world so when I get back there I will probably be back on the course again."

Smith was just a handful of boxers on hand along with 100 golfers at Casolwood Saturday afternoon for golfing, food, autographs and socializing during the International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend.

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Smith, who has visited Canastota roughly half-a-dozen times said he would like to make the trip to the area more often.

"It's such a huge part of what we (as boxers) are all about," said Smith. "It's great for us to come out here and it's great for the fans to have this opportunity."

Fellow boxer Gerry Cooney opted out of playing golf Saturday, forgetting to bring his clubs. So instead he hopped in a golf cart and still became a part of the day's events.

"Oh I'm out gabbing and checking in on people," said Cooney. "Heckling most of them a bit, too.

"This whole weekend is about having fun."

John Dodge, from Utica, and his foursome of friends Don Hughes and Greg Anderson along with his son Jordan, said Cooney tagged along with them for three holes.

"He could be back in the ring today he's so fit still," said Dodge, who's group shot 11-under in the charity tournament.

At times it appeared Cooney wanted to be back in the ring, playfully throwing jabs like he hasn't aged a day.

Carlos Palomino was also out on the course.

"Ah my putts are a little off today," joked Palomino. "I just think it's great to be out here."

And none appreciated the day and weekend events as much as the fans.

"I didn't really start getting into boxing until I started doing it," said Amanda Kesseling, who came in from Cambridge, Ont., for her first visit during hall of fame weekend. "They (boxers) are so approachable and the whole thing is just really neat."